HARDWARE USES/REQUIREMENTS by Multimedia
Multimedia hardware
requirements consist of the following items:
(a) The processing
unit;
(b) The memory;
(c) Universal Serial
Bus (USB) Device;
(d) Graphics Card and
Graphical Processing Unit (GPU);
(e) Hard drive;
(f) Monitor;
(g) External storage
and optical device.
1. Processing Unit
Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the most
important component of a computer. Think of how important the brain is to us.
The CPU works like a brain. Some of the more popular CPU brands in today’s
market are AMD (Advance Micro Device) and Intel. The CPU is also known as a
processor or microprocessor.
Functions of the CPU
1. Interpret data or
input given to it
2. Assess logic of
instruction
3. Process instruction
received and execute program
4. Produce expected result of process
5. Control combination
of input and output devices
2. Memory
Computer memory or normally just referred to as the “memory” is the
computer recording component that retains digital data on your computer.
Primary storage (the Random Access Memory or RAM) system is volatile or
unstable; therefore we cannot rely on it for our files to be saved once we shut
down the computer. To overcome this shortcoming, we need other secondary memory
peripherals such as a hard disk or hard drive. This permanent storage ensures
that our file or data is saved inside the computer
In terms of RAM, the most current desktop computer uses the Double Data
Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (DDR SDRAM). This type of memory
is far better compared to the preceding Single Data Rate SDRAM (SDR SDRAM) or
commonly known as just SDRAM. Now we have the DDR2 SDRAM - its transfer rate is
almost double that of the (SDR) SDRAM. For example, with a bus frequency of 100
MHz, DDR SDRAM performs a maximum transfer rate of 1600 MB/s. DDR2 SDRAM
technology is used for high-speed storage and memory requirement. Its primary
ability is in speed, which enables faster processing demands for high-speed
storage of the computer data or other electronic devices.
3. Serial Bus (USB) Device
The computing term “bus” stands for Bi-directional Universal Switch (which
in a way is not quite different from our normal understanding of the bus used
for travelling). The term bus in computing systems refers to the system that
transfers data between computer components or between computers. Now, to
transfer data between computers, a standard interface between the computer
devices or peripherals is needed. This is where the USB or Universal Serial Bus
is required , it is a serial bus standard to interface with a series of
computer devices or peripherals. USB is a new personal computer interconnection
protocol.
The USB allows us to connect our computer devices such as the digital
camera, thumb drive, and printer using a standardized socket. We just simply
need to plug these devices into our PC USB port. The USB has been developed so
that we can connect these peripheral devices to our computers easily and efficiently.
4. Graphics Card and Graphical Processing Unit (GPU)
The function of a graphics card is to generate better output images on a
monitor. This card is normally a separate card that we plug into an expansion
slot in our computer motherboard. Some graphics cards offer added
functionalities such as video capture. This card is not only for PC, but also
for other platforms such as the Apple Macintosh.
Graphics Card Image
Higher-end graphics cards were released in the late 90s following a higher demand
for 3D display. “Voodoo” cards by 3dfx and TNT and TNT2 by NVIDIA were among
the early ones marketed.
Besides the graphics card, another processor is needed. Termed the Graphics
Processing Unit or GPU, this is a special processor for graphics rendering that
we can find in PCs or game consoles such as the PS2. The GPU is important to
enable the best computer graphics output display such as 3D image rendering.
Current GPUs even support almost-real video-related functions. We can obtain
better gaming experience if we have a GPU fixed at our computer. Among the GPU manufacturers
are AMD, NVIDIA, Matrox, and XGI.
GPU Card
5. Monitor
A monitor keeps us informed of the result of the computing process that we want.
Can you imagine how hard it is for us to „monitor‰ our computing tasks if our computer
set does not have a monitor?
Many kinds of monitors have been designed over the past two decades. Traditionally,
the main component of a monitor was the Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) used in
traditional TVs. Nowadays we have the flat panel displays which are much
lighter and thinner than traditional monitors. Its thickness is usually less
than 10 cm thick.
Over the last few years a new type of screen monitor came into the market. Called
the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) monitor, it is a thin and flat display device,
unlike the old bulky CRT monitor. LCD monitors also use the three standard
colours for monitor display - red, green, and blue (RGB). However, one of the setbacks
of the LCD monitor system are its heavy electric power consumption, especially
when interactive applications such as games are running.
A better version of the LCD is the Thin Film Transistor Liquid Crystal
Display (TFT LCD). A variation of the LCD, it uses a thin film transistor
technology that improves image quality. TFT-LCD is utilized in the flat panel
screen of our laptops.
Besides the TFT LCD, there is another type of flat panel display called the
Active Matrix LCD (AMLCD). AMLCD is relatively lightweight and produces
excellent image quality; hence it is currently a popular choice for notebook
computer manufacturers. Figure 2.7 depicts the flat screen LCD monitor.
Monitors come in various sizes and resolutions. The current popular choice
for desktop PC monitor dimensions is 1024*768 pixels.
6. External Storage and Optical Device
Multimedia projects or applications need high volume files; therefore a
large and suitable storage technology is needed to fulfill the need. Various storage technologies that support different levels of multimedia applications are available. Some examples are as follows:
(a) Compact Disk-Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) CD-ROM's,
which use laser beam
technology instead of magnetic technology for hard disks, have capabilities to
store up to 600MB data. Being excellent multimedia storage devices due to their
robustness and low costs, they are commonly used to store data and audio files.
(b) Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) and High Density DVD (HD-DVD)
The Digital
Versatile Disc (DVD) has a far better capacity than the CD for storing data.
DVD is therefore a very feasible storage device if you need to store huge
multimedia applications such as interactive movies or games. Double-sided dual
layer DVD supports up to 17 Gigabytes of data. However dual layer High Density
DVD (HD-DVD) supports much more - up to 30 Gigabytes of data.
This standard is developed jointly by Toshiba and NEC.
v Blu-ray Disc (BD)
The Blu-ray Disc (BD) is a high-density optical disc to store digital
media, especially high-definition video. It is the next-generation optical disc
format intended for recording, rewriting, and playback of high definition
videos. BD is over five times better compared to DVD. It supports up to 50
Gigabytes on a dual layer disc. This capability thus makes BD a great
multimedia storage device. Developed by Sony, BD is used in the Sony VAIO AR
notebook (the first notebook of course, to use the technology.)
